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Latest by Kyle Wiggers

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Google is recruiting Reddit users to improve speech recognition

Google is recruiting users of popular social network Reddit to improve the robustness of its speech recognition engine, according to sources.
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Facebook may launch a speedy millimeter-wave network in developing countries

Facebook's Connectivity Lab, the technology arm of its nonprofit Internet.org initiative, has applied for patents on millimeter-wave technology.
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Thanks to a slew of sensors, Grovio takes the hassle out of houseplant care

Grovio, a smart indoor watering system, takes the hassle out of plant care by automatically monitoring up to three plants.
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The Asus ZenFone V is an impressive midrange smartphone exclusive to Verizon

The Asus ZenFone V is a Verizon exclusive that's worthy of your attention. Here's everything you need to know.
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OK Google, Where’s Barb? How to set up Google Assistant shortcuts to Netflix and more

Google Assistant shortcuts shorten complicated commands to simple words and phrases. Here's how to set them up on the Assistant.
Samsung Bixby

HTC U11 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8: Which flagship reigns supreme?

HTC's new U11 is a heck of a smartphone. But how does it measure up to Samsung's Galaxy S8, the reigning champ?
Ora GrapheneQ headphones

We listened to the world’s first graphene headphones, and they floored us

Ora, a Montreal-based startup, is the first to produce graphene-based headphones: The GrapheneQ. We checked them out ahead of their debut.
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What’s in Pandora’s box? A $10-per-month on-demand music streaming service

Pandora's taking on Spotify and others with the launch of Pandora Premium, a $10 a a month service with more than 40 million songs.
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Apple and the NFC Forum are bringing contactless payments to public transit

The NFC Forum, a standards body of which Apple is a part, has announced a partnership with APTA to spur the adoption of contactless public transit payments.
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Snapchat lets up to 16 members meet on its new group messaging service

Now, you and your closest 16 Snapchat friends can have a candid conversation. The ephemeral messaging app has rolled out Group chat.
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‘OK Google’ voice commands coming to the stand-alone Android Auto app

Android Auto will soon respond to "OK Google" voice commands, according to an eagle-eyed Reddit user.
Google Map Maker

Google shuts down Map Maker, to the chagrin of Google Maps trolls

Google will shut down Map Maker, the tool that allowed any Google Maps user to contribute edits to the company's Maps platform, by early next year.
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Gboard’s latest update for Android lets users translate in real time

Gboard, formerly known as Google Keyboard on Android, now lets you translate text in real time in the subject box.
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Google employs machine learning to boost translation capabilities to near-human level

Google's using a new method of machine learning to improve the quality -- and rapidity -- of Mandarin Chinese translations.
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The Ozobot Evo is a cute, little bulbous robot that teaches kids how to program

The Ozobot Evo is a capable little robot. It's controlled via a smartphone companion app, and packs a bevy of kid-focused educational games.
Bose QC 35 II

The new Bose QC 35 II shut the world out to let Google’s Assistant in

Bose and Google have teamed up to create noise-cancelling headphones with one-tap access to the Google Assistant: Bose QC 35 II.
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Bitcoin technology may power your next money transfer, if IBM’s plan comes to fruition

IBM is reportedly developing a system of transferring conventional currency with Bitcoin technology.
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Instagram now has more than half a billion active users

Instagram, the Facebook-owned photo-sharing network, has crossed the 500 million active user threshold. More than 300 people use the service "every day."
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Immerse yourself in Rio (minus the Zika) with Google’s new Olympics features

Google is introducing a slew of features across its various properties in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Apple Watch Series 2

Apple’s waterproof Watch Series 2 gets faster, brighter, and has GPS

Here's everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 2, including specs, design, and more.
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Huami’s Amazfit PACE fitness tracker will launch in the U.S. at $129

Xiaomi's newest high-end smartwatch, the Amazfit, sports GPS, a heart rate sensor, and notification features at a palatable price point.
Apple Watch Series 2

The next Apple Watch? Latest patents describe a limb-detecting circular device

New Apple patents describe a smartwatch with a unique circular design capable of limb detection, or the ability to identify appendages.
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T-Mobile to kick off Earth Day with a wind power investment and tree planting

T-Mobile, the self-styled "Un-carrier," will kick off Earth Day with a major investment in wind power, free trees, and more.
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Kid-friendly tracking device Jiobit lasts up to two months on a single charge

Jiobit, a clip-on device that uses machine learning to keep track of your kids, is one of the most advanced of its kind.
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Google fixes critical security flaw affecting over 900 million Android devices

A new Android vulnerability dubbed "Quadrooter" is perhaps the broadest ever. It affects more than 900 million devices.
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Wearsafe for Apple Watch puts peers in touch with loved ones in an emergency

Wearsafe Labs, the startup behind the Wearsafe Tag, launched a new Apple Watch app that connects users with loved ones in an emergency.
Asus ZenWatch

Asus ZenWatch review

Its tasteful design and comparatively thrifty price may turn heads, but Asus’ first Android Wear watch fails to live up to expectations.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3

Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 review

Alcatel's newest handset, the OneTouch Idol, may be priced firmly in budget territory, but it holds its own against far more expensive flagships.
Motorola Moto G4 Plus

Moto G4 Plus review

Motorola’s G4 Plus is an exceptional budget phone that represents the best the market has to offer.
ZTE ZMax Pro

ZTE ZMax Pro review

ZTE’s ZMax Pro is the deal of the year. For a mere $100, it delivers hardware rivaling that of far pricier phones.
Huawei Honor 8

Huawei Honor 8 review

Huawei put its best foot forward with the Honor 8, a mid-range smartphone that squeezes flagship hardware into an affordable, attractive package.
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Pebble 2 + Heart Rate review

The Pebble 2 + HR promises a lot, but delivers a little. We review the smartwatch.
HTC Bolt review

HTC Bolt review

The HTC Bolt falls short of its high-end promises.
ZTE Axon 7 review

ZTE Axon 7 review

The ZTE Axon 7 is the best ‘flagship killers’ on the market. We review the $400 phone to see how powerful it is in comparison with the competition.
Lenovo Phab 2 Pro review

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro review

Lenovo’s Phab 2 Pro falls short of delivering on Tango’s promise. Find out how in our full review.
Lenovo Moto G5 Plus review

Lenovo Moto G5 Plus review

The Moto G5 Plus takes decent photos, crushes everyday tasks, and lasts for hours on a charge. Is Lenovo's flagship a solid budget pick?
HTC U Ultra

HTC U Ultra review

The flagship U Ultra smartphone was HTC's chance to be spectacular, and a secondary screen, BoomSound audio, a good selfie camera impress. Is that enough?
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Fitbit Alta HR fitness tracker review

The Fitbit Alta HR isn’t the end-all be-all of fitness trackers, but its heart-rate monitor and sleep tracking make it a great fit for casual athletes.